Atlanta politicians issue calls for peaceful protests

While the Ferguson protestors block traffic on Atlanta downtown connector Tuesday night, Atlanta's political and city leaders call for peaceful and constructive reaction to last night's announcement that there will be no indictment in deadly shooting of Michael Brown in Missouri.

"While many are saddened and angered by the grand jury's decision, I urge everyone taking part in demonstrations to do so in a peaceful manner," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed yesterday. "I support the efforts of local leaders to promote non-violent expression by self-policing and elevating the voices of community members."

The mayor also urged local, state, and federal law enforcement to use caution in dealing with the protesters and allow for their constitutional right to assemble.  Reed also stated that the decision in Missouri "does not do justice to Michael Brown and his family." Click here to read the full statement.

Robert P. McCulloch, the prosecuting attoey for St. Louis County where 18 years-old Michael Brown was shot by a police officer in August, announced yesterday that the county grand jury voted not to indict Officer Darren Wilson. Several cities across America have held rallies and protests opposing the grand jury decision.

"Like many Americans, I am dismayed by the grand jury's decision and my heart goes out to the family of Michael Brown," said Atlanta City Council President Caesar Mitchell. "However, this is not the time to let anger and frustration tu into reactionary violence and compounded hate. I encourage all Atlantans, especially our city's youth, to focus our collective energies in a constructive fashion. Non-violent action, rather than hostility, will be the path to justice and the best method to end to the cycle of violence and injustice that continues to plague so many of our communities, and threaten the very fabric of our nation."

"I am shocked, and along with many others, outraged by the process of the grand jury consideration of the killing of Michael Brown, and the decision reached by the grand jury to not indict this officer," said U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga-04). "These are trying times, and people have a right to protest what we see as an injustice. Protests should be expected, but I urge protesters to remain peaceful. Death, personal injury or property destruction will not right the injustice, nor will it bring Michael Brown back to life.

"So let's be smart, and let's handle this through the strategy of non-violence. I also urge law enforcement to exercise restraint and to not meet peaceful protesters with a militarized show of force like what we saw in August. Such a display will only inflame protesters and provoke a violent response." 

Monday night, after McCulloch's detailed announcement, President Barack Obama spoke to the nation about the decision. While the president didn't include his opinion, he also appealed to the protesters to remain calm and assemble peacefully.  The protests in Ferguson became violent almost instantly after the announcement, while Obama was still talking. Today, there are some media reports of violence among the New York City Ferguson protestors.  Atlanta protest have been disruptive but have not included violent or destructive behavior thus far.